Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 is a mid-ranger, but the punching it packs and the features it has, specifically, a great design at a super attractive price. Announced in 2015, it quickly received attention thanks in part to its dual front-facing speakers, a reversible design and acceptable performance. What differentiates the Idol 3 in a crowded smartphone arena is uncountable.

Owning a premium, modern look and feel, the Idol 3 is both slim (7.4mm) and light (141g). The phone offers a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels which ensures clarity and bang-on color reproduction. This design feature is where the phone shines — the phone can be used upside down as both the top and bottom have speakers and microphand. It feels natural when making calls, or watching videos, in either mode.

Audio is where the Idol 3 shines. Accompanying them are dual front-firing stereo speakers that are tuned by JBL audio. The sound is great for a mid-range device, loud, clear and surrounding. Be it watching movies, playing games or listening to music, the Idol 3 serves up audio that can give even pricier smartphones a run for their money. If you are a music lover, then this phone can not be missed by you. Imagining the time when you are wearing your ear phones connected with the phone and walking on the street without being annoyed and disturbed by anything, the music in your ears can melt all your worries and sorrows away, how wonderful it would be!

The Idol 3 gets a 13MP shooter (f/2.0), and it is not the best shooter here, producing relatively decent low-light images provided we do not have to depend on low-light performance. The app provides a variety of photography options — HDR, panorama, capture mode, manual controls — so users can have fun with their shots. The 8MP selfie camera is excellent for both selfies and video calls, and it features a wide-angle fit that helps fit more people into the frame. The 2910mAh battery will get you through a day of moderate use pretty easily. If it’s not the best in class, it’s plenty for most users. The lack of fast charging risk seems minor in light of how cheap the phone is.

What the Idol 3 does differently is its reversible design that’s much more than just reversing speakers. When you hold the phone upside down, the UI flips so it’s easy to use even when in that position. It also features a “Mix” that allows users to edit their own music playlists by shaking the phone — a cute little quirky touch.

With Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3, there isn't any need to compromise on quality for price conscious consumers. Its excellent sound quality, reversible design, and fair specifications give a lot of versatility and joy to the device. It won’t excel at raw power or camera tech like flagship models do, but you get a great price-to-value ratio. So if you're in the market for a mid-range mobile with a few signature features and a bit of premium polish, then the Idol 3 is definitely worth considering.